GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out significantly faster — about 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980.
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GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 980
The GeForce GTX 1080 is significantly faster, around 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce GTX 1080 is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 980 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 1080 packs 2,560 CUDA cores versus 2,048 on the GeForce GTX 980.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 980 is the gentler choice at 165W versus 180W. The GeForce GTX 1080 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 180W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU. Its more modern Pascal architecture on a TSMC 16nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce GTX 1080 carries 8GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 980. The extra 4GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers. The GeForce GTX 1080's memory is also faster — 320 GB/s versus 224 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce GTX 1080 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 (Pascal vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce GTX 980?
The GeForce GTX 1080 is the faster card by about 33%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.